Bates Men's Shock 8

Why It Makes The Cut

The Bates Men's Shock 8 is an eight-inch tactical boot that I adopted after burning through lighter hiking shoes on the rocky, brush-choked terrain of central Texas. The tall shaft is the main reason I chose them — it covers well above the ankle and gives me real protection when I am pushing through dense cedar and mesquite, where thorns grab at everything below the knee and ticks cling to anything that passes. The Shock FX cushioning system absorbs impact on limestone ledges and creek crossings surprisingly well for a boot this sturdy, and the aggressive outsole grips loose caliche without hesitation. I lace them tight before every hike, tuck my permethrin-treated pants into the tops, and trust them to keep my feet and lower legs safe from both terrain and critters. They run warm in Texas summers — there is no way around that with a full-height boot — but the trade-off in ankle support and brush protection is worth every degree.